It has been a while since we have contributed to the Nailsworth News but we have been busy both musically and organisationally. We have appointed a new Musical Director, Stephen Rockey. Stephen is a very accomplished musician who at the age of 16 was playing for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and by the age of 17 had completed his first arrangement. He then joined the RAF as a musician and was principal trombonist and soloist in various RAF bands for 18 years. He has now composed and arranged over 260 pieces including pieces for the BBC Songs of Praise program. Before being de-mobbed from the RAF Stephen was Staff Arranger for the Royal Air Force as well as being Chief Librarian. His experience is rare to find in a band of our standard and we are very pleased to have him with us. He has already made his mark on the band and is busy preparing us for our Annual Concert and the Entertainments Contest which takes place in February. Stephen replaces Wesley Thomas who we thank for his contributions to the band.
We have also appointed a new Training Band leader, Philip Storer. Philip is also an accomplished musician and plays Principal Cornet for Lydbrook Band. He is a peripatetic music teacher and works under the umbrella of Gloucestershire Music within the local schools. Philip is a very enthusiastic individual and will be responsible for developing players from their very first note right through to the point at which they can join the main band.
Nailsworth Training Band has also restarted again after a short break. The members meet in the band room at 6pm each Monday for 45 minutes. To safeguard the Training Band members Nailsworth Silver Band committee have adopted a framework. This framework has enabled us to secure the assistance of Gloucestershire Music (LEA Music Service) who is happy to recommend pupils to join Nailsworth Training Band. We are the only local band which has pursued this and are therefore the only local band that Gloucestershire Music can currently recommend for young players. We will also be extending our links to local schools and organisations to ensure that a wide circle of children are aware of the Training Band and are able to take advantage of our facilities and high quality tuition.
The Nailsworth Silver Band committee have adopted a framework for the Training Band which has been accepted by Gloucestershire Music. This framework has been developed to ensure the safety of the children whilst attending the Training Band. Because we have adopted this framework Gloucestershire Music is able to recommend Nailsworth Training Band to any youngster in Gloucestershire. We are the only band which has pursued this and are therefore the only band that Gloucestershire Music can currently recommend for young players.
You may have seen the band performing in recent months. In June we played in Stratford Park which was a beautiful day with great music. In July Stephen undertook his first engagement with us and we were all privileged to be invited to play at Leighterton school in the presence of Prince Charles. The weather was awful but spirits were high. We played at the Horsley Church Fete in September and as usual for Horsley Fete the weather was great and we were well received. This year we also decided, in conjunction with our friends at Celebration Band, to march in the Gloucester carnival. Overall we were all surprised at the fitness levels required, marching for in excess of 1 hour and playing 15 marches. Surprisingly we are looking forward to doing it again next year. In November we will be proudly leading the Remembrance Sunday parade.
The Philip Sawyer Memorial Concert this year will take place on Sunday 9th December. This is our showpiece concert of the year where all the proceeds are donated to a local Nailsworth Charity. This year we have adopted Phoenix Playmates as local worthy cause. Phoenix Playmates is the nursery attached to Nailsworth Primary School and this year they will be selling tickets for the concert. Tickets will also be available on the door. This year Stephen has adopted a film theme for his entertaining programme. I invite you to join us for an enjoyable evening which will benefit our local charity.
In addition to some festive numbers our preliminary programme includes:
For booking enquiries please contact Debbie McDougall Tel 01453 825797.
For Jazz enquiries email nailsworthjazz@yahoo.co.uk.
For all other enquiries including the Training Band email tim_robbins@btinternet.com
Or check out our website www.nailsworthsilverband.co.uk
Alternately write to us at Brewery House, Brewery Lane, Nailsworth, Glos. GL6 0JE Tim Robbins, Chairman